On December 13, 2021 Paula passed away at St. James Hospital after suffering a severe heart attack. This was very unexpected by all who loved her. Paula was 71 years old.
Paula was born feet first and dancing on May 22, 1950 in Elkins, West Virginia. Paula was the youngest of the four children of Fred and Ruth Canfield. Paula would often wear Dad’s coal mining boots, hence the nickname “Booty”.
In 1955 the family moved to Butte, Montana and Paula attended Butte schools. After high school, Paula worked giving care to the disabled at Boulder River School. Paula continued to be a therapist for all who knew her.
Paula returned to West Virginia and started her lifelong occupation, bartending, at her father’s bar. Butte called her back and she soon married her first love, Dave Stodden in July, 1971. Dave shared that Paula had a love for life, dancing, singing, and started many lifelong friendships. Paula and Dave divorced in 1977, but remained friends.
In 1984 Paula married Lynn Martzolf and raised two step children, Heather and Justin. All this time Paula sang and danced with many groups including B.A.D. Company, Groovebox, Jamboni, Berkely Pitts and his Toxic Horns, and White Folks on Vacation. Paula also performed in variety shows, often with legend Bill Smyers.
In 2002 Paula met the love of her life Dan Olson. They soon performed as duo “2 Smug” all around Butte. Paula appeared in monologues, including Scarlet Ribbons that she insisted play at the rebuilt Rialto Theater in Deer Lodge. Paula was a fierce supporter of Historic Preservation and led a gallant protest to save the Greek Café.
Paula catered beside Mike Mazzolini, ran her own business “Paula’s Curiosity
Shoppe”, and has since been crowned the “Queen of the Silver Dollar” after working there for decades. Paula worked as the Motherlode Theater’s hospitality manager up until her passing.
Paula was preceded in death by her parents, Fred and Ruth Canfield and her brothers, Milton and Howard Canfield.
Paula is survived by her love Dan Olson, sister Carole Seccomb, and ex-husband Dave Stodden.
A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, December 18, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at the Mother Lode Theater, 316 W. Park St., Butte, MT. Visitation will take place 1 hour prior to the Celebration of Life. A reception will be held following the service at the Silver Dollar Saloon, 133 S. Main St., Butte, MT. Food, Memories, and Music requested at the Dollar!
Please visit below to offer a condolence or share a memory of Paula.
Axelson Funeral and Cremation Services has been privileged to care for Paula and her family.
Service Schedule
Visitation
10:00 a.m. to 10:50 a.m.
Saturday December 18, 2021
Mother Lode Theatre
316 W. Park St.
Butte, MT 59707
Celebration of Her Life
11:00 a.m.
Saturday December 18, 2021
Mother Lode Theater
316 W. Park St.
Butte, MT 59701
Reception
Following Celebration of Life
Saturday December 18, 2021
Silver Dollar Saloon
133 S. Main St.
Butte, MT 59701
Service Schedule
Visitation
10:00 a.m. to 10:50 a.m.
Saturday December 18, 2021
Mother Lode Theatre
316 W. Park St.
Butte, MT 59707
Celebration of Her Life
11:00 a.m.
Saturday December 18, 2021
Mother Lode Theater
316 W. Park St.
Butte, MT 59701
Reception
Following Celebration of Life
Saturday December 18, 2021
Silver Dollar Saloon
133 S. Main St.
Butte, MT 59701
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Daniel Battleson says
Dan, Carole, and Dave, Very Sorry to hear of Paula’s passing. Susie and I knew her for many years and always enjoyed her company. Best regards, Dan Battleson
Sally Bardsley says
Dan, Carole, and all who loved Paula
I share your sorrow for our great loss.
Paula was loved for her fearlessness, candor, loyalty, and more and will be missed by so many that loved and enjoyed her in so many ways.
Though I am so sad she is gone, I smile each time she comes to mind–fun, sweet memories . . . her vibrant spirit lives on in our hearts.
Sally Bardsley
Sherri Bebo says
I met Paula at the silver dollar saloon during my partying days. I played trumpet in the band the Berkley Pitts and his toxic horns with her. She was a kind loving person who I was instant friends with. When I first learned to play my trumpet she was very encouraging and believed in my playing more than I believed in myself. She was the type of friend you could be yourself with and never judged. I am beyond heartbroken of the news of Paula’s passing and I will miss her always! RIP Paula I love you my sister.